[.ca] El Gran Orgo

The beginning..:
Being an At The Drive-In fan for lord knows how long, I recently decided to try and seek out El Gran Orgo. Having all their other albums, I expected this to perhaps be "decent" or "sub-par" compared to all their other amazing albums. However, I was proven wrong. This is a fantastic album and you can hear their sound just devoloping into something unique. It took me at least 3 spins to truly get a feel for the album, but I grew attached to it. Songs like "Speechless" and "Honest to a Fault" truly are classics in my mind. If you love ATDI and are unsure about buying this album, trust me you won't be dissapointed. It was sad to see ATDI go, but they left behind a number of great albums, this being the beginning of the path.

Just as good as any other ATDI album:
Dont listen to those people. This is an excellent album.

I'm in love with ATDI, but this ep is just too forgettable:
Okay, first off, just let me get something off my back. Relationship of Command is their best album, hands down. I don't care about it's somewhat mainstream success. It is a landmark of an album and needs to be recognized as one. All their other albums (Aecrobatic Tenement, Vaya, In/Casino/Out) also have a very special feel to them. Sadly though, this has to be the worst offering by ATDI, and even sadder, one of THE worst albums you could possibly buy. I went through the trouble of special ordering it, just because I thought I would have been in on something. Honestly, when I found out that it came out after Aecrobatic Tenement I almost cried. How could they go from that to this? I also noticed that the back-up vocals sounded a bit different, maybe not Jim Ward in a couple of the songs. The melodies just don't have ANY special kick in them, but it's not a big deal cause ATDI will live on with their other albums. I'm saddened...

El gran orgo review:
This EP is a classic at the drive-in number in its 1997 release. All seven tracks blasted an enrgetic emo-core melody that was pure brilliance.This cd is definantley worth buying.

Developing Genius...:
For anyone who is accustomed to the latter works of At The Drive-In, this EP is alienating at first because of its traces of punk-pop (or emo). Not to mention Cedric's somewhat coherent lyrics. Nonetheless, we find the band combining soaring, anthemic melodies with the grit of punk and the band's staple of intriguing experimentation. Although the merit, maturity, and confidence of the band is not fully realized on this work, the genius we have all come to love is prevalent beneath the surface. The band is sort of at a crossroads here, much like Husker Du with "Metal Circus." At any rate, "El Gran Orgo" is backed by such standouts as "Honest To A Fault" and "Speechless." For any At The Drive-In fan, this is a worthwhile purchase, but to beginners, this may not be the best introduction to this incredibly talented group.

• Give It a Name
• Honest to a Fault
• Winter Month Novelty
• Fahrenheit
• Picket Fence Cartel
• Speechless